Stories about Governance from June, 2022
Trans women in the sex industry in Azerbaijan: Is it a free choice or just the illusion of choice?
In countries like Azerbaijan, where trans women end up as sex workers, legalization of sex work is seen as a solution to the problem.
Turkey's former mayor claims officials discovered hidden jellybean reserves
The former mayor was answering questions about recently discovered oil reserves when he made the comment about a major jellybean discovery.
Climate change and rapid urbanization blamed for the worst flood in over a century in northeastern Bangladesh
Heavy rainfall in the hills of neighbouring India caused flash floods in the northeastern districts of Bangladesh. Various organisations and volunteers have come forward to help the flood victims.
How the economically marginalised navigate digital adoption in India amid the pandemic
COVID-19 drove the shift to digital services in India, but this has left informal workers struggling to access basic services and protect their personal data within an incomprehensible system.
Malaysian lawyers behind ‘walk for judicial independence’ facing police probe
"The actions of the police have set a bad example for the citizenry, as it conveys the message that citizens are not free to exercise their constitutional rights ..."
Istanbul police violently break up PRIDE March and arrest over 300 people
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Istanbul LGBT+ Pride Week. While local authorities banned all PRIDE events, protestors still took to the streets, marched, and chanted slogans.
In Tbilisi, thousands attend the ‘march for Europe’ to support Georgia's EU bid
The march comes days after Georgia's bid for EU membership was deferred by the European Commission.
In Sri Lanka, state-sponsored disinformation and suppression of dissent taint COVID-19 response
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sri Lankan government has used the digital space to further an authoritarian agenda, affecting the digital rights and freedoms of citizens.
Equality for transgender Ukrainians: A long way to go, now complicated by the war
Russia's invasion has affected the life of the Ukrainian transgender community: many have lost jobs, access to safe medical care. They are also exposed to humiliating gender questioning.
Understanding India’s Central Media Accreditation Guidelines 2022
A new guideline for media accreditation has drawn a negative response from the Indian press community, activists, and concerned citizens as it provides sweeping power to the authorities.
The Sitakunda fire tragedy and the surge of humanitarian acts in Bangladesh
The recent deadly Sitakunda fire and explosion in Chittagong saw unprecedented casualties and damages and ordinary people came forward to help the victims of the tragedy.
Timor-Leste journalists challenge restrictions and assert their right to question China’s foreign minister
"The youngest independent nation and the most fledgling press in the Asia-Pacific, has finally shown how it’s done. Tackle the Chinese media gatekeepers and creeping authoritarianism. . . "
Baku residents brace for higher costs, annoyances, and logistical issues ahead of Formula 1 race
As Baku is once again hosting the Formula 1 race between June 10–12, residents are in disagreement about whether the race is worth the cost, annoyances, and logistical issues.
Colombia, divided and facing profound change in upcoming presidential elections
On June 19, there is a real possibility that left-wing running mates will secure the highest office for the first time in recent Colombian history
With spokesperson's suspension, BJP supporters in India are losing faith in the party
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India removed two of its spokespeople under pressure over their alleged remarks on Prophet Muhammad, which have made headlines in India and abroad.
Azerbaijan rocked by a new wave of politically motivated arrests
Civil society and rights advocates and state critics have for years faced targeted harassment, intimidation, and arrests. The most recent wave of crackdowns attests to the standing tradition.
What South Asians in the US are saying about abortion and LGBTQ+ rights
As the US is engaging in a political and cultural war about abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, the large South Asian community living in the country comments on the situation.
The Gezi protests were led by riffraff and sluts, according to president Erdoğan
On the ninth anniversary of Gezi Park protest, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan slamed the protest and its participants, calling them corrupt, rotten, and sluts.
Sri Lanka: ‘We want the power of equality, justice and love — not love for power’
Women's groups from the north and east of Sri Lanka marched into the GotaGoGama protest site in Galle Face, Colombo, to express their concerns about the current crisis.
Journalists in Turkey could face three years in prison for disseminating ‘false information’ online
A statement issued by seven international and local media freedom and journalism organizations said the new draft bill "will boost systematic censorship and self-censorship in Turkey instead of fighting disinformation."
